Across established democracies,
declining voter turnout is a long-term trend with each generation of young
people less likely to vote than the last. Voter turnout among people aged 18 to
25 continues to be lower than other age groups and they are less likely to join
political parties.[i]
However, while young people appear to
be disconnecting from the electoral process, they are not disinterested in
politics, and they engage in various ways: socially, digitally, via youth
associations, at rallies and through grass-roots movements connected to
important issues, such as the environment. Democracies and governments seeking
to re-connect youth with electoral politics can explore inclusive strategies
and electoral processes that will attract youth and other voters, making it
easier for them to engage and participate.
Strategies and activities to make
voting processes inclusive of youth can be informed by the needs expressed by
youth themselves and built upon consultative processes.
